Nordic Ski Patrolling

National Association for Search and Rescue

2011-10-23T21:28:00.007-04:00

The National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) is a national education association which offers training, certification, and advocacy for search and rescue professionals. Its interests include search management, incident command, basic water rescue, tracking, and wilderness medicine. NASAR is dedicated to the advancement of preparedness and skills; the development of improved equipment; and the standardization of equipment, skills and procedures.

The NSP Board of Directors adopted a resolution providing for mutual cooperation with and support of the National Association for Search and Rescue. The NSP has a representative on NASAR's Program Advisory Board for wilderness medicine programs.

Visit NASAR's website for more information.

Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop 2011

2011-10-10T18:23:00.003-04:00

The first annual Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop (ESAW) will be held November 5th, in North Conway, New Hampshire. The organizers hope this will be a new beginning for an annual gathering of avalanche professionals, educators, guides, and backcountry skiing and climbing enthusiasts in the Northeast.

Cost for the workshop is $45.00. We have 75 slots, first-come/first-served, so don’t delay. We will accept walk-ins on November 5th only if there is room.

Download the announcement for more information, the program, and presenter bios.

Patroller Education Conference 2012

2011-10-05T20:03:00.013-04:00

The 2012 Patroller Education Conference will be held April 12 – 14, 2012, at Copper Mountain, Colorado. The program includes Avalanche and Mountain Travel & Rescue clinics and a presentation about the Nordic Master program. You can register online for the Patroller Education Conference, all the clinics, and lessons. Get started by reading the brochure, studying the program, and signing up at PEC12. See the reminder from Christine Albertson.
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FEMA Online Course: Introduction to the Incident Command System

2011-09-25T20:07:00.004-04:00

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers many independent-study, online courses, some of which are appropriate for patrollers. Jonathan Shefftz's Avalanche and MTR1 courses require completion of FEMA's Introduction to the Incident Command System as a prerequisite to course admission.

Following is FEMA's course description:

ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Primary Audience:
Persons involved with emergency planning, response or recovery efforts.
Course Length:
Approximately 3 hours.

Emergency Management Institute (EMI)

Independent Study Program (ISP) Course List

ISP FAQs

Get started

Winter Sciences and Survival Seminar

2011-09-25T17:35:00.005-04:00

The Winter Sciences and Survival Seminar for Avalanche, Mountain Travel & Rescue, and Nordic patrollers from the National Ski Patrol's Eastern, Southern, and European Divisions will take place on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the U.S. Army's West Point Ski Lodge.

Authoritative speakers will address relevant issues in snow science, avalanches, and winter survival. Program, banquet, and housing plans are still being developed. The draft announcement is online. Check back here as the weekend plans are finalized.

Princeton Tec Spectrum

2011-09-12T21:02:00.011-04:00

Click image to enlarge.

Princeton Tec is about to announce its new Spectrum headlamp customization program. Using a new website, you will be guided step-by-step through the process of customizing the colors of each headlamp component to match patrol colors or to enhance visibility.

This program is expected to be available sometime in September.

Princeton Tec is a sponsor of the Eastern Division's AMN Seminar.

National Avalanche School

2011-09-07T22:07:00.003-04:00

The National Avalanche Foundation will hold the 22nd annual National Avalanche School at Snowbird Resort in Utah. This is the oldest and most acclaimed avalanche training program for snow safety professionals. The National Avalanche School offers comprehensive professional avalanche training for ski patrollers, avalanche forecasters and control specialists, mountain managers, as well as Forest Service, National Park Service and other land management personnel.

22nd National Avalanche School
October 23-27, 2011
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, UT
Contact: Jennifer Ament, National Ski Areas Association
http://www.avalancheschool.org/

AMN Seminar and Refresher

2011-08-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

The Avalanche, Mountain Travel & Rescue, and Nordic instructors of the NSP Eastern Division will meet again at Northfield Mountain. The event will take place in Northfield, Massachusetts, Friday to Sunday, September 16-18.

For more information, visit the website.

Nordic Fest 2011

2011-02-06T16:25:00.011-05:00

The NSP Eastern Division and the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol welcome all Eastern Division nordic patrollers to Nordic Fest 2011, a weekend of skiing skills development, telemark clinic, and general camaraderie.

Events include:

* Senior Ski & Toboggan Evaluation
* Amazing Race Nordic Skills Review
* New National Nordic Program Presentation
* PSIA Telemark Clinic

The date is the weekend of March 4 through 6. The site will be the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area in Honeoye, New York, in the Finger Lakes Region. The fee for lodging, most meals, and activities is $30. For registration, schedule, directions, and more information, visit the Nordic Fest website

World-Wide Military Gourmet

2010-11-06T20:18:00.011-04:00

The esteemed New York Times reported on field rations encountered among coalition members in Afghanistan. From Polish bogracz to South Korean kimchi, all of your favourites are here. Roll over the images of fourteen nations' rat-packs and click to see the package contents.

Earlier, The Smoking Gun published the unedited comments, often brutally frank, of American service members who had been asked to review MREs.

Soldier Systems' Field Gourmet takes an in-depth look at the rations of five nations: Russia, Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and Great Britain and have just reported on the Brits' new Rat Packs and those of the Danes.

Ski Patroller Magazine now Online

2010-11-05T22:38:00.025-04:00

Ski Patroller magazine is now online. Download the latest issue, Fall 2010.

Members can log into NSP and download full PDF versions of all past issues from 1998 – Present.

NSP has published an index of all Ski Patrol magazine articles from 1984 – 1999 and from 2000 – Present.

Regional Snow Analyses

2010-11-05T14:03:00.015-04:00

NOAA's Snow Analyses site displays animated, snow-related maps for the continental United States and for eighteen regions. View nine maps for each area, including snow depth, snow precipitation, and average snowpack temperature. Watch the changes for one day, two weeks, or a season. Discussion of the weather is included.

Link

Williamstown Mountain Film Festival

2010-10-29T16:47:00.009-04:00

The 10th Annual festival runs November 5^th, 6^thand 7^th, 2010. Thirteen films, ranging from 3 to 65 minutes, are spread over Friday and Saturday nights, almost two and a half hours of film each evening. The feature-length film, Mount St. Elias (100 min), shows on Sunday afternoon from 2 – 4pm in Bronfman Hall, Williams College.

Visit the Williamstown Mountain Film Festival website.

Backcountry Film Festival

2010-10-27T15:01:00.003-04:00

The Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival celebrates human-powered winter recreation and preservation and is shown to thousands of people across the US, Canada, and other areas.

Make sure you check out the list of films in this year's tour, the locations of showings, and the promotional video.

Cross Country Skier Magazine now Online

2010-10-27T14:17:00.014-04:00

The Cross Country Skier magazine is now online, and no password or subscription is required. Take a look at the October issue.

Zoom in on articles or photos; print pages, email article, or download the issue as a PDF. All website links and email addresses (including advertisements) are active. Click the title or page number of any article in the Table of Contents and you'll jump to the corresponding article in the body of the magazine.

National Nordic Program Recognized

2010-10-23T14:57:00.003-04:00

The National Ski Patrol recently recognized nordic skiing as a National Program and appointed Kevin Johnson, a Senior Nordic, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as Director.

Read Kevin's statement about the future of the Nordic Program.

Ski Sentinels: History of the National Ski Patrol

2010-10-23T10:22:00.013-04:00

Produced in 2007 by filmmaker Rick Moulton with assistance from the Eastern Division of the NSP, Ski Sentinels: The Story of the National Ski Patrol documents the origins and history of the National Ski Patrol. Rick Hamlin, past Eastern Division Director, appears on screen.

The DVD may be ordered by members of the National Ski Patrol from the online NSP catalog. Others may purchase this video from the New England Ski Museum.

The DVD's running time 45:00 minutes; included is a 30-minute montage of ski patrol vignettes from films of the 1940s through the 1970s. Watch the YouTube teaser clip which runs 8:21 minutes.

AMN Meeting a Success

2010-09-28T18:21:00.016-04:00

The Eastern Division's Avalanche, Mountain Travel & Rescue, and Nordic instructors and supervisors enjoyed a productive meeting and skills refresher at Ski Big Bear in Eastern Pennsylvania, on the weekend of September 17-19.

Safety Orange LED Pocket Lights

2010-09-05T19:38:00.015-04:00

Countycomm offers the ARES pocket light with a safety orange shell and a pure white LED. This is one light that won't get lost in your pack or in the snow. Slide the switch on, and the entire unit glows bright orange.

The LED will last for thousands of hours, and the battery is easily replaced.

Be sure to watch the instructive Youtube video.

The ARES is available for $1.20 only at Countycomm. An identical light, the ARES SO-LED, is available with an eight-position, 360-degree ratcheting rotary clip for $4.00 from the same source.

The pocket light without clip also comes with blue and green LEDs. The SO-LED with clip is available in an ACU grey body with white LED and in a black body with blue and green LEDs.

While these prices are attractive, the bad news is that the minimum shipping charge is $8.75. This calls for either a group purchase of dozens of lights or buying more Countycomm goodies in order to reduce the unit price for shipping. For example, 20 pieces of the ARES cost $1.44 each with shipping, while 20 of the ARES SO-LED cost 4.29 apiece.

CRREL Report

2010-09-03T08:31:00.005-04:00

The Eastern Division successfully held a Continuing Education Winter Sciences and Survival Seminar at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, NH. Approximately 58 Avalanche, MTR, and Nordic instructors attended. Topics presented included emergency sled (Sked) use and construction, avalanche forecasting, treatment of cold-related injuries and hypothermia, cold weather clothing design and construction, and rescue techniques.

New Patrol at Mount Greylock

2010-08-29T18:41:00.028-04:00

The newest patrol in Western Massachusetts was officially recognized a few weeks ago. The Thunderbolt Ski Patrol will cover the Thunderbolt and other trails on Mt. Greylock and provide emergency care at the annual Thunderbolt Race on Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. The Greylock trails are not served by ski lifts.

David Childs is the Patrol Representative. The patrol currently has 21 patrollers and three candidates.

For more information, visit the Western Massachusetts Region website and visit the patrol's website.

Technology causes Problems in the Backcountry

2010-08-24T12:08:00.003-04:00

Visitors to the back country continue to create hazards to themselves and to rescuers by reliance on technology. The inappropriate use and abuse of cellphones, GPS units, and SPOT satellite messengers have led hikers into danger and caused unnecessary, expensive rescues.

A recent article in the New York Times discusses these issues through interviews with workers in our national parks. Some of the best quotes:

“Because of having that electronic device, people have an expectation that they can do something stupid and be rescued.”

“Every once in a while we get a call from someone who has gone to the top of a peak, the weather has turned and they are confused about how to get down and they want someone to personally escort them. … the answer is that you are up there for the night.”

“We have seen people who have solely relied on GPS technology but were not using common sense or maps and compasses, and it leads them astray."

Read Leslie Kaufman's article online.

Jim Whittaker wrote a related article three years ago.

Introduction to Avalanche Safety & Rescue and Level 1 Avalanche for Rescue Personnel

2010-06-20T20:41:00.004-04:00

Introduction to Avalanche Safety & Rescue and Level 1 Avalanche for Rescue Personnel course will be offered in two parts:

• Fall at Northfield Mountain, Massachusetts, November 14, 2010
• Winter, March 4 – 5, 2011

Emphases on pre-course preparation, backcountry travel, and rescue. Pre-course homework required.

For more information visit:
avycourse.blogspot.com

Fall AMN Refresher Announced

2010-06-19T20:57:00.009-04:00

After meeting three years at Northfield Mountain, the Avalanche, Mountain Travel & Rescue, and Nordic instructors of the NSP Eastern Division have moved to a new venue. The AMN annual refresher will take place at Ski Big Bear, Mast Hope Mountain, in Eastern Pennsylvania, Friday to Sunday, September 17-19.

For more information, visit the website.

NSP Seeks New Nordic Program Director

2010-03-21T15:34:00.001-04:00

Applications are being accepted for a National Nordic Program Director. All interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest, along with a complete list of qualifications. All information should be submitted to Tim White at timw@nsp.org no later than March 29, 2010.

For more information:NSP

Orion Fluorescent Dye Marker

2010-01-07T22:17:00.013-05:00

Sprinkle this orange powder, and its fluorescein dye will turn snow a bright, fluorescent green. Write on the snow, draw an arrow or whatever. It's an excellent signal for rescuers to note your location. This handy product from Orion will be visible from a distance: a great aid for rescue.

Available from REI, West Marine, and Barre Army-Navy.

Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory Seminar

2009-12-31T18:43:00.021-05:00

The Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) will be hosting another excellent Winter Sciences and Survival Seminar in Hanover, NH. The facility conducts research and development in materials and equipment for use in cold climates. In the past, national- and world-class speakers delivered talks on avalanches, cold weather injuries and clothing, chronic illness in the backcountry, GPS theory, and search dogs. Field exercises are part of the program.

The date is Saturday, March 27, 2010. Details are now available on Page 2 of the current Trailsweep, Eastern Division's online newsletter.
These documents became available on February fifth:

The program is open to both patrollers and non-patrollers.
Visit the CRREL web site here

Surefire G2™ LED Flashlight

2009-12-28T19:02:00.009-05:00

Every ski patroller should carry at least one flashlight or head- lamp for illumination and signalling. Choices today are staggering, with traditional incandescent bulbs or light- emitting diodes (LEDs) being just the start of many options.

Surefire's G2™ LED is a high- output, compact (5.2 inches) flashlight which meets the needs of nordic patrollers. Surefire has become the leading brand for military and law enforcement due to its performance and reliability.

The G2 LED torch furnishes 80 lumens of power for the first 3 hours of a battery's life. Thereafter, it will provide useable light for the next 9 hours, 12 hours in all. By comparison, the incandescent AA Mini Maglite provides 15 lumens for 5½ hours. The G2 uses two 123A lithium batteries which are widely available. The LED itself will probably never need replacement. You won’t need a brighter light in the snow.

The Nitrolon body is an impact-resistant, glass-filled polymer which provides a secure grip. it also insulates the hands and protects the batteries from the cold. Metal bodies often ice up, draw heat from the hands, and are uncomfortable to hold in the mouth. The bright yellow model of the G2 LED is easy to find in your pack and hard to lose in the bush or snow.

Find reviews at EDC Forums and EDC Reviews.

Among many sources, the G2 LED is available at Cabela’s, REI, Amazon, and L.L. Bean.

Field Tweezers

2009-12-26T12:14:00.016-05:00

Ticks and Lyme disease are much on our minds and in the news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer this advice for removing ticks.

Here is a great tool to help you do the job right: “Uncle Bill’s Sliver Gripper – The Tweezers with Pin-Point Precision” from El Mar. These somewhat unconventional-looking tweezers are not the sharpest but do the job without getting lost or stabbing you. They securely click into a holder which features a lanyard attachment hole. You can easily carry these on a key ring due to the diminutive size: 2-5/16 in. with holder and 1-9/16 in. without.

The Gadgeteer, EDC Reviews, and Kevin Kelly reviewed these tweezers. They are available at many outdoors retailers online, including A. G. Russell. CountyComm stocks these as well as a set of large and small tweezers.

You might want to visit the Tick Encounter Resource Center for information on ticks and their treatment.

Pocket Knives

2009-12-19T17:25:00.037-05:00

I look for two features in a pocket knife for patrolling. I want to be able to open the blade while wearing gloves or mittens or without splitting my thumbnail. I also need a fitting for tying on a lanyard or retaining cord. In the snow, a dropped tool is usually a lost tool. These two knives meet my requirements.

Victorinox One-Hand Trekker

The Victorinox One-Hand Trekker is a no-nonsense Swiss Army knife without the usual doo-dads like corkscrew and micro-scissors. A husky 3-1/8 inch serrated-edge blade is easily and safely manipulated. The other tools are sturdy and practical. A useful lanyard loop is attached. Find it at Target and Gad-Zooks.

Victorinox has a similar version with a black blade and the Soldier, Swiss Soldier, and German Army models, the latter now available at CountyComm. If you don't need the extra tools, consider the Sentinel with just the cutting blade.

Spyderco Rescue

Available in 93mm and 79 mm lengths, the Spyderco Rescue is easily opened and safe to use. It’s a tool, not a weapon, and unlikely to cause injury when cutting clothing and boots. The clip may be removed to insert a dummy cord or lanyard loop. The orange color is almost impossible to lose in the snow or bush.

Similar models are on the market: Spyderco Atlantic Salt and Assist I, Gerber E-Z Out, Kabar Rescue Blade K2K Folder, and Meyerco Rescue One.

Flameless Hand Warmers

2009-12-17T14:13:00.021-05:00

Liquid-fuelled hand warmers have been used by generations of hunters and ice fishermen. Ski patrollers use them for their own comfort and for treating hypothermic patients.

After filling with a small amount of lighter fuel, the warmer's element is lit with a match. A catalytic platinum element allows burning without a flame, producing radiant heat for 8 to 10 hours. Warmers may be safely carried in a jacket pocket, usually in a flannel bag.

Jon-e® Hand Warmers are manufactured in the United States and made from durable chrome-plated steel. Replacement parts are available online. The Jon-e® hand warmer is sold by Cabela's and Outers.

A similar product is the Zippo Hand Warmer which is available at Duluth Trading Company and Amazon. See it in EDC Reviews.

The Peacock brand is found overseas at GK Trading and Hakukin.

Amazon offers the Xtreme brand.

Underwater Kinetics 4-AA Xenon Light

2009-12-16T21:00:00.015-05:00

Underwater Kinetics model UK 4AA-AS2 is robust and designed to withstand harsh outdoors and industrial environments. It survives a 30 foot drop test and water submersion to 10 meters.

Powered by four AA batteries, the xenon bulb projects a 38 lumen beam for 4 to 5 hours. Just over 6 inches long, this light handily fits the pocket. Molded fittings facilitate the attachment of lanyards or webbing. See the Data Sheet for more specs. Made in the USA.

An LED version is now available. Read the review at Flashlight Reviews.

Available online and at many dive shops and industrial safety suppliers.

Pocket Magnifiers

2009-03-15T21:22:00.013-04:00

Reading a map is difficult when you don't have your glasses or the light is fading. Squinting doesn't work, and your arms aren't long enough.

Handy pocket-sized Fresnel magnifiers come to the rescue. The simplest is thin plastic the size of a credit card, easily carried in your wallet. The best known is probably Itoya brand. You can find one at office supply stores and pharmacies. Look online at Campmor, MapTools, or UltraOptix.

The latest innovation in this technology is the illuminated magnifying card, which is a bit thicker. Pressing a tiny button activates an LED, flooding light on the map. A well-known model (as seen on TV) is the OWL Light. Similar lenses are available from Essential Gear and Amazon.

Illuminated or not, both styles provide 2 to 3x magnification.

2009 International Technical Rescue Symposium

2009-03-15T20:33:00.002-04:00

The 2009 International Technical Rescue Symposium welcomes rescue personnel from many disciplines: mountain rescue, military, park services, and outdoor recreation. The program includes new advances in equipment, medical issues, and technique.

The event is sponsored by Pigeon Mountain Industries, CMC Rescue Incorporated, and others.

November 5 – 8, 2009
Pueblo, Colorado

Download the brochure in Adobe Acrobat format here.

Classic Camping Stoves

2007-07-15T18:24:00.001-04:00

At one time, most of us probably owned a brass Optimus, Primus, or Svea stove. For the most part, they served us well and faithfully accompanied us on our treks. They are part of our history.

Many of these cookers were shelved when we acquired the hi-tech stoves first introduced by MSR. Others just don’t work so well anymore.

The most common problems with old stoves are dried gaskets, defunct wicks, and clogged jets. There is hope, however. A & H Packstoves both sell new stoves and furnish parts for the old. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, enthusiasts of Swedish brass. Prices are quite reasonable.

Classic Camp Stoves is a discussion forum and an archive of photos, advertising art, catalogs, and exploded diagrams.

Read the Backpacker review of the classic Svea 123 and its links to related articles.

Personal Locator Beacons

2007-07-10T18:00:00.004-04:00

Technology is finding its way into the backcountry: the avalanche beacon, GPS receiver, cellphone, and personal locator beacon (PLB). The media have reported the use of personal locator beacons in dramatic and successful rescues but at least one instance of their abuse. Some experts have expressed concern that the devices will encourage over-reliance on their use.

ACR Electronics manufactures most of the units available in the United States. The devices are pricey but can be rented from PLB Rentals.

The New York Times recently published an article about PLBs.

“Not Without Peril”

2007-05-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

Subtitled “150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire.” Nicholas Howe documents the misfortunes and tragedies befalling twenty-two hikers and climbers over the past century and a half. There are lessons to be learned here about safety and trip preparation.

Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire
by Nicholas Howe
Appalachian Mountain Club Books, 2001

Spring Skiing at Tuckerman’s Ravine

2007-05-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Summer is a mere month away, but the ski season is just starting at New Hampshire’s storied Tuckerman's Ravine. Today’s New York Times runs an article about the ravine’s action and history, including safety issues and mentioning the Mount Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol. Read For Daredevil Skiing, The Season Is Now.

Alive

2007-05-19T19:33:00.000-04:00

Thirty-five years ago, a Uruguyan Air Force plane, carrying a rugby team, crashed in the Andes. Thirty-two players and supporters survived. After ten weeks in the snow-covered mountains, only sixteen remained.

Survival is said to be an attitude, a state of mind. Piers Paul Read investigates the mentality of those who made it and of those who did not.

Skiing in Massachusetts

2007-05-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

Like Arcadia Publishing’s 4000 other titles picturing the history of localities across the country, Skiing in Massachusetts documents a century of our sport with little text and lavish illustrations. Drawing on vintage photographs, posters, and advertising, authors Cal Conniff and John B. Allen let the pictures speak for themselves. The Paul Bousquet archive and the New England Ski Museum were the sources of many images.

Mount Marcy in Winter

2007-05-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

This New York Times article describes a late March ascent of the highest summit in the Adirondacks. The party climbed via Lake Tear of the Clouds and returned on the van Hoevenberg Trail, 18 miles in all.

Read the story, “En Route to a Mountain Peak, a Stop at the Hudson’s Source“ here.

Jim Whittaker: Relying on Rescue Technology

2007-05-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Mount Everest and former president of REI, sounds off on dependence on rescue technology.

Commenting on recent rescues and efforts to legislate emergency beacons, Whittaker writes that reliance on technology often creates new dangers for both climbers and rescuers. He emphasizes the need for expedition planning and personal responsibility:

“The technology has made it easier to rely more on search-and-rescue personnel, and less on skill and knowledge.”

“A climber should begin every expedition assuming that that he could be trapped in a blizzard”

Read the full op-ed piece:

A Summit Technology Can’t Reach
By Jim Whittaker
New York Times
March 9, 2007, Friday

The Cross Country Experience: Bill Koch

2007-05-09T21:12:00.001-04:00

30 years ago, Rossignol and Kodak produced this 14-minute film, following Bill Koch as he skis through the Vermont countryside and enjoys the ambience of Putney. The historic film has now been transferred to DVD.

Is it worth a dollar a minute to watch a scratchy old film with a noisy sound track? You bet it is! This classic is priceless.

The cost is a mere $15, postage included, and all proceeds support the New England Nordic Ski Association’s youth programming and the New England Bill Koch League Festival.

Visit the NENSA web site for details and a free 38-second preview:

White Risk Interactive Avalanche Training

2007-05-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

White Risk, a highly-interactive learning CD-ROM, engages the user in exploring the factors leading to avalanche accidents. This is not a sit back and watch video; it requires a considerable degree of involvement in navigation, options, and self-tests. Its effectiveness is enhanced through animation, videos, 3-D terrain models, and exercises.

The web page is written in German; click the ‘E’ in the upper-left corner of the screen for English. For content detail, click the “White Risk” button.

Beef Bandages

2007-04-01T21:32:00.002-04:00

Remember when folks used to put beefsteak on a black eye? Well, now you can put a Beef Bandage on a wound or blister. That's right, through the miracle of modern medicine, realistic replicas of T-bone steaks are now available in 2 sizes to warm the hearts and ease the fears of your littlest patients. Have fun while doing good.

The supplier, Accoutrements, also offers Bacon Strips, Bacon and Eggs, Boo Boo Kisses, Skin Art (Tattoos), and more, all realistic.

Nordic Ski Patrolling for Dummies

2007-04-01T16:35:00.000-04:00

In this one book you’ll learn all you need to know to be an expert nordic ski patroller in one reading. Thrill to the mysteries of medicine; elevate your pulse with pictures of skis! Learn how to tell the right ski from the left and how bindings are used.

Written by an expert committee of patrollers, it comes highly recommended. Chapters include ski fashion, diet, and style. Not sold in stores. Coming soon: Nordic Ski Patrolling for Seniors.

3M™ Precise™ Vista Disposable Skin Stapler

2007-04-01T16:31:00.000-04:00

Serious injuries call for serious tools. The 3M™ Precise™ Vista Disposable Skin Stapler enables any patroller to staple gaping lacerations with virtually no training. You can be your own MD! Establish better patroller-patient relationships when you can do the job yourself. Not recommended for eye injuries.

You just can’t beat the convenience of stapling-while-you-wait. At only $22.95, who can afford to pass this up? Available now at Cabela’s and wherever do-it-yourself tools are sold.

Snowmobile for Patrol

2007-04-01T15:11:00.000-04:00

Up until now, only employees of mountain management were allowed to operate snowmobiles. With the new ownership of the Mountain, rules have changed. Your patrol has recently ordered its own snow machine.

The Siberiade Improved Patent Snow Phaeton Deluxe incorporates novel features which make it suitable for our conditions. A front propeller provides the motive force, long runners afford stability and flotation, whilst the carriage comfortably seats six. Ladies are advised that the ride is most safe and not at all immodest.

Mountain Bike Patrol

2007-04-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

The patrol’s Executive Council has been considering the creation of a mountain bike patrol at the mountain and has contacted NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) for consultation.

In order to facilitate versatility in both snow and bike patrolling, we have adopted the KTrak bike shown above. This is an all-terrain, all-season bike, fitted with a runner in front and traction snow track in rear. In the absence of snow, the front ski is easily replaced by a standard bicycle wheel. The Mountain has generously ordered ten of these in order to accommodate patrollers.

You shall be notified when these arrive and are invited to take a test drive up the Chute.

Annual Patrol Banquet News

2007-04-01T14:47:00.002-04:00

Your patrol announces a new venue for its Annual Awards Banquet. This year’s event will be held at Little Pigs Bar-B-Q Restaurant. The menu is new and exciting, a veritable gustatory treat. You’ll squeal with delight over the offerings. The side dishes are collard and turnip greens, hog maws, and chittlins. Desserts include sweet potato and pecan pies, both drenched in Southern Comfort. Pig out in style among friends.

The date is Saturday, May 5. Watch for e-mail announcing the menu options and directions.

We regret that there will be no vegetarian offerings.

Winter Aware

2007-03-14T14:11:00.001-04:00

Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team presents this 45-minute video about snowsport safety. Winter Aware emphasizes planning, survival, and avalanche awareness. Exciting action footage includes avalanches and actual accidents in real time. Interviews with seasoned riders and skiers highlight this 2002 film.

Available in DVD and VHS formats at no charge to ski patrols. For more information, visit the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team website.

Meathead Films

2007-03-11T23:17:00.002-04:00

Meathead Films’ four DVDs follow outstanding alpine and telemark skiers and snowboarders to the New England and eastern Canada backcountry and to tamer venues. The films capture the adventures and antics of these snowsport athletes in their quests for thrills amidst the region’s 4,000-footers.

If you’ve skied or hiked in the Northeast, you’ll immediately recognize and relate to the locales: Mt. Greylock, Mt. Washington, Mt. Mansfield, Katahdin, Adirondacks, and the Chic Chocs.

Read the feature article about the Meatheads in the February 2007 issue of Vermont Sports.

Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol

2007-03-11T13:48:00.000-04:00

The January-February 2007 issue of Cross Country Skier Magazine features Becky Lomax’s article on the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol in Montana.

“Midnight Glamour: Flathead Nordic Patrol isn’t about Cruising Trails” describes the patrol’s role in backcountry searches and rescues. Its 28 patrollers cover ground inaccessible by motorized vehicles, responding to a variety of emergencies. The patrol and individual members have garnered national awards.

Cross Country Skier magazine appeals to the nordic enthusiast with news, reviews, and articles covering equipment, waxing, technique, training, competition, and more. We keep a copy in our patrol room.

Sunrise Sunset Calendars

2007-03-09T19:12:00.000-05:00

The duration of sunlight governs patrolling toward the end of the day and the timing of sweeps. Our personal winter trips must synch with the hours of the sun.

While almanacs tabulate the rising and setting of the sun, better yet are web sites which print calendars of sunrise and sunset.

Sunrisesunset.com will print a monthly calendar of times of sunrise, sunset, twilight, moonrise, moonset, and phase of the moon, corrected for Daylight Savings Time and localized for your geographical area.

The U. S. Naval Observatory permits you to print similar information for one day or a table for one year but makes no adjustment for Daylight Savings.

Mountainfilm in Telluride on Tour

2007-02-21T15:08:00.004-05:00

For twenty-nine years, Mountainfilm in Telluride Festival has achieved a reputation for exciting, high-adventure short films which target adrenaline junkies. The festival also screens documentaries on culture, nature, and environmental issues. The best of these, about a dozen each year, go on tour around the country and world.

Check out the present list of films and the schedule of places and dates.

Eleven of the films, the best of 2002 – 2005, are now available on DVD. They vary from 4 to 35 minutes in length, with a total running time of 176 minutes.

Snow Cover Map

2006-12-07T19:19:00.005-05:00

The Interactive Snow Information site of the National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center gives you snow cover maps updated daily.

Zoom in to the county level or out to view the entire country. Use the control panel on the left to add or remove natural and manmade features. Select Snow Depth or any one of dozens of other snow- or weather-related observations. Move back in time (but not ahead) to review conditions last week or last season. Make your choices and be sure to click Redraw Map. Click here to get started or here for the Northeast.

Whether you’re looking for early snow or chasing after it in April, this web map will show you not only where to find it but gives you the temperature, depth, and density of the snowpack.

A similar map is available for the Northeast only through NERFC.

Glow Sticks

2006-10-26T19:43:00.002-04:00

Keep a few glow sticks in your patrol pack. Snap one and it will glow for hours, long enough to read by or to mark a trail or your position. Sticks come in lengths from 1.5 to 15 inches and burn from 5 to 15 hours. They’re now available in a rainbow of colors, including infrared.

As Halloween approaches, prices come down and availability soars. You’ll find inexpensive varieties in drug, convenience, and discount stores. Cheap sticks don’t have the shelf life or shine as long as the classic brands, Cyalume or Omniglow. My strategy is to buy a dozen cheapies every October, give whatever is left to the kids a year later, when I buy another bunch. You can find wholesale dealers by searching on the web for "glow sticks". Your patrol may want to buy a gross every year.

Animated Knot-Tying

2006-10-24T18:07:00.000-04:00

This is undoubtedly the best way to learn knots and their tying. View a fast or slow animation of each knot or step through the process at your own leisure. Grogono demonstrates both rope and webbing knots and hitches. The illustrations are dramatically clear, and color is used to advantage. The search and rescue section includes 14 knots, including the Trucker’s Hitch, my personal nemesis. Perhaps I’ll finally master it.

While you’re at the site, look at the 17 climbing knots. You may be interested in reading the review on Kevin Kelly’s site.

Image courtesy of Alan W. Grogono.

Improvised Tarp Shelters

2006-10-12T20:44:00.001-04:00

Here are almost one hundred plans for folding and pleating tarps into improvised survival shelters. The 76 pages are chock full of how and why and why not. Don’t skip the great introduction in Q & A style about shelters, tarps, and ropes.

Australian David B. Macpherson lends his experience and creativity to this essential skill.

You may be interested in the Cool Tools item on Tarptents.

Expert Tips from Karhu

2006-10-06T16:46:00.002-04:00

Karhu brings you these tips for fitness, waxing, skinning, and clothing. The Shameless Commerce Division updates you on their products. Karhu supports many nordic program around North America.

Check out Dave Watson's K2 climb. Here’s the link.

“Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Telemark Tips”

2006-09-28T15:46:00.000-04:00

From the same authors who brought you the hilarious “Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book”, Telemark Tips blends whacko illustrations with sound telemark wisdom. You’ll enjoy over 100 clear, concise, and helpful hints on technique. Whether new to the sport or an old hand, there’s something here for everyone.

From Globe Pequot Press, 112 pages, paperback.

Avalanche First Response Training Program

2006-09-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

At this past weekend’s meeting of Avalanche–MTR–Nordic instructors in Clifton Park (NY), we heard about the Canadian Avalanche Association’s online course in avalanche safety. The Avalanche First Response Training Program was developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association in cooperation with several organizations and under the sponsorship of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat Canada.

The online training consists of 7 modules, each with specific learning objectives. While the emphasis is on response during and after avalanche, the course also covers route-finding, snow stability, and trip preparation. While valuable in supplementing and preparing for an avalanche safety course or field exercises, it is not a substitute. Try the Pre-Course Exercises of ten questions and score your avalanche awareness.

The extensive graphics on this web site are best viewed with a high-speed, broadband connection.

“Wilderness Survival Guide”

2006-09-12T21:58:00.000-04:00

Author Monty Alford is a veteran of 35 years of expeditions and first ascents in the Yukon, Alaska, and other cold regions. In “Wilderness Survival Guide” he summarizes much of his experience and knowledge. Chapters cover travel on rivers, ice, snow, and glaciers and kits, signalling, and shelters for cold weather survival. Alford provides helpful tables and plans and instructions for tools, including a gear sled.

Published by Alaska Northwest Publishing Company, Edmonds, Washington, 1987, 104 pages, paperback. It’s out of print, but copies may be had on the internet and in libraries.

Improvised Rescue Toboggans

2006-09-02T19:44:00.001-04:00

Improvising an emergency toboggan in the field is a standard part of the Nordic program. The Faher Flyer is tried and true, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Couloir Magazine presents the whys and hows of three field expedients here.

Connecticut Nordic News published Chuck Boyd’s modifed Flyer in this nicely illustrated article. A similar field expedient sled has been described by New Jersey patrollers.

Ski Trax Magazine

2006-08-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

“North America’s Nordic Skiing Magazine” features news and information about competitive cross country and backcountry skiing. You’ll find authoritative articles on technique, technology, and gear. The magazine is much better than its web site.

Ski Trax is the official magazine of Cross Country Canada and the United States Ski and Snowboard Association.

Survival Kits

2006-08-29T22:48:00.000-04:00

The only survival kit that matters is the one you have with you. Field & Stream magazine shows how to build your own in three sizes: pocket (in an Altoids tin), belt pouch, and fanny pack.
Each provides means for obtaining food, water, heat, fire, signalling, navigation, medical care, and repairs. The two larger kits contain more supplies and tools.

Abundant photographs illustrate the contents which are identified by brand and model name. These kits are not specifically intended for the winter but can be readily adapted.

See also the articles in the Winter 2006 Ski Patroller magazine.

Duct Tape Bandage by Nexcare

2006-08-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

If duct tape holds the world together, it ought to hold a wound together. With this in mind, 3M’s Nexcare division introduces rugged, larger bandages made of duct tape. They stick, last, and seal better; the strip and sterile pad are longer than usual: 1 in x 3-5/8 in. They should serve well for minor repairs to clothing and gear.

Sold at Walgreens and other pharmacies.

Surefire G2™ Nitrolon®

2006-08-27T22:16:00.011-04:00

While LED lights are hard to beat for long life and close-up work – reading maps and rummaging through packs – you need a more powerful torch for signalling and search & rescue operations. The Surefire G2™ Nitrolon® more than fills the bill. Surefire has become the brand of choice for military and law enforcement due to its reputation for performance and reliability.

The G2 is almost four times brighter than much larger D-cell flashlights and does so in only 5 inches and 4 ounces. The non-corrosive Nitrolon™ construction and the Lexan lens are highly resistant to breakage. The power – a whopping 65 lumens – comes from two 3-volt lithium batteries and an incandescent xenon bulb. Although a more powerful bulb is optional, you don’t need a brighter light in snow. The bright yellow model of the G2 is easy to find in your pack and hard to lose in the bush. Read the specs and user manual. Check out the reviews by Kevin Kelly and Rainy Day Magazine or read the extensive technical report at FlashlightReviews.com.

On the down side, the batteries will last only 60 minutes at full power, and replacement bulbs are expensive. There is no attachment point for a lanyard.

Among many sources, the G2 is available at Cabela’s and L.L. Bean.

Surefire has recently announced the G2 LED which puts out 80 lumens of light and runs 12 hours. It’s reviewed at EDC Forums and EDC Reviews.

“The Essential Outdoor Gear Manual”

2006-05-27T17:55:00.000-04:00

Subtitled “Equipment Care, Repair, and Selection.” Authors Annie Getchell and David R. Getchell address the maintenance and repair of clothing, footwear, and equipment for backpacking, climbing, snowsports, and paddling. You’ll learn about design, materials, fabrics and adhesives. The text is rich with specific products and sources. You will not only be able to care for and mend your outdoors gear, but you’ll be empowered to make sound purchasing decisions. Published by Ragged Mountain Press (2000).

“Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book”

2006-05-24T19:06:00.000-04:00

Subtitled “Travelling & Camping Skills for a Winter Environment”, Allen O’Bannon’s text and Mike Clelland’s art inform and entertain the winter backcountry skier. You’ll delight to chapters on safety, gear, technique, shelter, cooking, and minimal impact. An appendix directs you to further resources. This is like a Mountain Travel and Rescue course in 114 pages. See Kevin Kelly’s reviews of this book and of the same authors’ “Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backpackin’ Book” and “Lighten Up!”. See also “Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Telemark Tips”.

Published by Globe Pequot Press

Gear Sleds and Pulks

2006-05-22T00:10:00.004-04:00

For those long backcountry treks, many skiers tow a sled or pulk for their gear. If you’d like to try making one, here are a few sources of instructions:
Mad River Rocket Pulk, GearJunkie, and The Inquiry Net! - Traditional Scouting Activities. Take a look at page 35 in “Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book”.

If you prefer to buy one ready-made, you can’t do much better than Kifaru. Whichever way you choose to go, check out Kifaru’s tips on use and care.

Other brands:

Acapulka
EWS Pulks and visit Links.
Fjellpulken
Segebaden Pulks See Pulka Transport and Pulka Glasfiber.
Wilderness Engineering
Granite Gear
Snowsled Ltd.

Winter 2006 Ski Patroller Magazine

2006-05-10T13:00:00.003-04:00

The Winter 2006 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine has several articles related to nordic patrolling.

A special section is devoted to avalanche safety: avalanche control, the RECCO radar system, and snow slides in Michigan. Two other features describe and illustrate the contents of a patrol pack and of a repair kit. Here’s the list of articles:

	pp 14-25	Avalanche Zone Special Section:
		Control Freaks: Taos Ski Patrol Stars in Taming of the Snow
		Radar Comes to the Rescue with RECCO Technology
		Avalanches in the Midwest
	p 46	Revisiting the Ten (or more?) Essentials
	p 56	Kit and Caboodle: Be Prepared to Repair

Any NSP member can download an electronic copy of this or any other issue published since 1997 by following these instructions.